About Outreach

Academic Outreach at the University of Virginia applies the intellectual resources of UVA to the public realm by identifying, supporting and communicating initiatives that provide solutions to real world problems, serve the common good, advance economic development and improve the quality of life for all. With a strategic focus, academic outreach at UVA brings forward its leadership and relevant expertise to support issues of critical importance to the Commonwealth.

Academic Outreach supports the mission of the university by serving the Commonwealth of Virginia, the nation, and the world by developing responsible citizen leaders and professionals; advancing, preserving, and disseminating knowledge; and providing world-class patient care.

Academic Outreach supports The Cornerstone Plan, the university’s 2014-2019 strategic plan, as it acknowledges UVA’s historic obligation to provide leadership to the Commonwealth of Virginia and to support the common good through its academic outreach efforts.

Background on Academic Outreach at UVA

The university recognized the need and potential for university-wide collaboration and cooperation in academic outreach to better serve the public, and the Provost named the University’s first Vice Provost for Academic Outreach in November 2012. Subsequently, a Director of Institutional Academic Outreach was appointed and a university-wide academic outreach advisory group (currently identified as the Academic Outreach Committee) composed of faculty members and administrators was established in 2013 under the leadership of the Vice Provost for Academic Outreach.

In 2014, the definition of academic outreach expanded to include a focus on institutional public service to the Commonwealth of Virginia, in support of strategic initiatives that advance economic development and the quality of life for Virginians. Expected outcomes from community/public service may include growth in the economic, educational, and civic improvements of the public.

Based on the University’s significant work and recognition for this work at the state level and after meeting with the Virginia Governor’s staff leadership and the Council on Virginia’s Future, in 2014 the Committee selected the following strategic areas, aligning with current strategic priorities of the Commonwealth of Virginia, for its initial focus: early childhood education; healthcare innovations; cybersecurity and succession planning for state government employees. Natural resources was added as a strategic area in 2015.